“Light vampires” like this got their name from readers and admirers of the Strugatsky Brothers. In their novel Roadside Picnic, there’s a wonderful character by the name of Schuchart, and at the end of the book he approaches the Golden Orb that grants wishes, shouting out (or muttering to himself—ah, I can’t remember . . .) the only good wish that he can think of: “Happiness for all, and let no one leave feeling shortchanged!”

Naturally, malicious tongues rehashed this agonized cri de coeur from a member of the intelligentsia into the phrase: “Happiness for all and let no one who feels shortchanged leave!” Which, of course, changes the whole idea substantially. But at the same time it introduces a certain honest realism into a fantastic story.

“Schucharts” is the term we in the Watch use for Light Ones who one day simply snap in the face of the imperfection of the universe, deciding to work good all over the place and running amok. The problem with this is that the good they work immediately gives the Dark Ones the right to work evil of equal strength . . . Of course, Dark Ones are not all born villains, thirsting to torment everyone around them simply to satisfy their own malice. In daily life many Dark Ones are perfectly pleasant. But they mostly derive their Power from the negative feelings of the humans around them. And in general they have no real regard for them, so when they’re given the right to Dark intervention they quickly make up for all the good caused by a “Schuchart.” And, as a rule, with interest.

In general, Schucharts are not very powerful—Fourth- or Fifth-Level, only rarely Third. (Those who are more powerful than that are usually more intelligent and mature.) That’s why, once they’ve chosen the path of militant good, “Schucharts” set out for places where they can load up with Power from positive emotions—a good concert, the premiere of a long-awaited film, a sports event at which the fans of the winning team are in the majority, or even a children’s New Year party. And there they pump themselves full of energy—so much energy that it makes dealing with them a problem, even for Higher Magicians.

And then off they go, working good on all sides. Until they’re stopped.

By any possible means.

One day I almost became a “Schuchart” myself. But I had either the wits or the luck to realize exactly what I ought to do . . . what I was gathering the energy of human happiness for.

I wasn’t sure about the young man Valentin.